Director of Research Translation and Policy Programmes

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Job Title: Director of Research Translation and Policy Programmes
Grade: B2 – Management Level
Department: Programmes
Reports to: Executive Director

2. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

a) Staff reporting to position: Heads of Thematic Programmes
b) Other regular work relationships:
• Internal: Programme staff, Finance and Admin, the ED, AFIDEP Board
• External: Partners, AFIDEP Associates, networks, donors, governments and governmental agencies other organisations with similar mandates

3. DEPARTMENT PURPOSE STATEMENT

Enhance AFIDEP’s performance through focus on quality programme design, implementation, and innovation in accordance with AFIDEP’s strategy. Specifically mobilize resources for knowledge translation, policy engagement and capacity building programmes and ensure that all AFIDEP projects/programmes are managed and implemented according to expected high quality standards, in a timely manner, and within budget.

4. MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Provide leadership in development, management and coordination for all AFIDEP’s technical programmes in innovative and financially sustainable manner. The Director should provide this leadership in all thematic areas of AFIDEP’s work, currently Health Systems Strengthening, Reproductive Health, Population Change and Sustainable Development. Proactively develop and manage relationships with key partners including policy makers, donors and other development partners.

5. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES /MAIN DUTIES

A] Lead, develop and manage program:

• Lead the translation of AFIDEP’s strategy into programme design and interventions
• Develop and direct the programme work of AFIDEP in accordance with sound development and management practices; and within policies, procedures and accountability systems of the institute.
• Provide leadership to thematic programmes in development of innovative programme interventions that respond to research evidence on AFIDEP’s core areas of focus.
• Ensure integrated and coordinated development and management of programmes within the context of AFIDEP’s mission.
• Provide management and supervision to Heads of programmes and among different programs to ensure quality and effective programme delivery.
• Ensure all programme activities are sensitive to and responsive to changes in the political, social, and economic environments.
• Ensure all staff members receive orientation and appropriate training in accordance with organisation standards.
• Provide best practice models and tools to ensure quality programme design and implementation.
• Ensure effective coordination, design and implementation of programs including effective and critical monitoring and evaluation to help learn and refine AFIDEP work further.
• Help create a workspace that thrives on innovation, new ideas and continuous learning.

Provide critical thinking and analysis to all work and increase the level of analysis and throughout consultation in programme design and implementation.

B] Programme planning

• Lead the develop new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the institute
• Develop and operationalize long term goals and objectives, including strategic plans
• Develop a program evaluation framework to assess the strengths of the organisation and identify areas for improvement
• Develop an annual budget and operating plan to support the programme
• Ensure all project funds are managed according to established accounting policies and procedures and according to the approved budget.
• Monitor and approve all budgeted program expenditures and manage a system for regular monitoring of budget expenses and associated variations
• Ensure that financial and technical reports for funders are submitted in a timely manner
• Ensure technical input required for generation of invoices is provided according to agreed plans / established timelines
• Lead development of funding proposals and engage donors and partners to ensure sustainable flow of funding
• Deliver of overall program and work plan and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organisation
• Ensure adequate funds, equipment and facilities for programme implementation
• Communicate with partners and other stakeholders to build support and to solicit input to improve the program quality and accountabilities
• Mentor research staff in scientific writing

C] Programme Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation

• Oversee the development and operationalization of a monitoring and evaluation framework in line with AFIDEP set of performance indicators and targets to effectively track and communicate results of Programme interventions over the strategy period.
• Devise and oversee operationalizing of performance management systems, including instituting a system to monitor the programme activities on a regular basis and conduct a semi-annual and an annual evaluation according to the programme evaluation framework.
• Conduct independent mid-term and final evaluations of AFIDEP’s strategy to assess progress made towards the achievement of mission priorities and take remedial actions where necessary.
• Identify and evaluate the risks associated with programme activities and take appropriate action to control the risks.
• Write reports on research translation programmes to management, donors and other partners
• Oversee the collection and maintenance of records on the clients of the institute for statistical purposes according to confidentiality/privacy policy of the organisation.

D] Development and Management of External Relations and Networks

• Establish and maintain effective relationship with various organizations and governments to captivate demand and goodwill for AFIDEP’s work, and optimize the impact of its work
• Establish and leverage partnerships with governments, development partners, and other stakeholders at national and regional levels to influence policies.
• Manage and encourage co-operative relationships established with various specialist institutions and ensure that these joint initiatives conform to programme objectives. 

E] Resource mobilization

• Ensure an effective system for mapping and monitoring funding opportunities and rapid response mechanisms to respond to funding opportunities.
• Establish and develop working relationships with key donors and actively develop local funding sources appropriate to AFIDEP's resource needs and fundraising plans.

F] Human Resource development and management

• Ensure the optimum utilisation and development of programme staff talent
• In consultation with the Executive Director, recruit and mentor qualified programme staff.
• Ensure all staff members receive orientation and appropriate training in accordance with organisation standards
• Implement a performance management for all program staff
• Oversee engagement of volunteers/interns for appropriate program activities using established volunteer management practices

6. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Programme plans and implementation according to the goals and objectives of the institute
• Thematic strategies linked to AFIDEP strategy
• Working performance management systems at programme and institutional levels
• Level of funding mobilized and extent to which donor base is diversified
• Effective grants management system
• Number of strategic partnerships at national and regional levels
• Number and quality of journal and policy oriented publications
• Number of high level policy engagement activities at national, regional and global levels

7. QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Academic qualification, skills and knowledge required to perform effectively in the role.
• PhD in public health, demography, economics, sociology or related social science.

Minimum level of personal and professional experience required to perform effectively in the role.

• At least five years experience in a senior management role focused on programme management;
• At least 10 years’ experience in research/knowledge management or generation and dissemination;
• Sustained track record in scientific publications and translation of evidence into policy oriented formats;
• Proven track record in writing of grant applications, resource mobilization and engagement with donors
• A good understanding of the operations of the government, and proven experience in engaging government officials, development partners and other stakeholders at national and regional levels;
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills, innovation with the ability to design new programmes and provide technical support to staff, programmes and projects;
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach and mentor staff, manage, and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives and manage a budget;
• Ability to establish, expand and deepen partnerships and conduct high level policy engagement;
• Value driven and upholding high integrity, a team player possessing strong communication skills, with high level of people related skills in working with cross-functional teams and with partners;
• Technical aptitude – Be an established scholar who can lead conceptualization and design of new programmes, provide high level quality assurance, and mentor technical staff

8. BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Leadership-positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organisation. Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities.
• Effective communicator-speaks, listen and write in a clear, thorough manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Decision-maker-assess situations to determine the importance, urgency
• Integrity and Ethics: Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others are consistent with these standards and align with the values of the organization.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem. Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization. 

How to apply

Interested candidates should send a detailed curriculum vitae detailing previous work with two professional referees and one academic referee. Applications should be sent to info@afidep.org with ‘Director of Research Translation and Policy Programmes’ in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For more information about AFIDEP visit www.afidep.org